A cold and rainy day in mid-February weather forecast for snow later. There was a basketball game that night against an archrival team, so the cheer squad were decked out in their uniforms during the day. The design on their chest was a large ‘H’ with a stitched illustration of a 19th century pioneer with his covered wagon. As per the plan, Heather told her squad to meet her in front of her locker in the senior hallway during brunch. All the other girls were holding heart shaped balloons, Teddy bears and bags of goodies received from admirers and friends. Joe told his nerd crew to stand witness as he approached the girls. He wore his usual slob ensemble complete with Star Trek T-shirt. One of the girls noticed him and whispered something to the others. They all glanced then looked away as if there was nothing of importance happening. Joe walked to within a couple of feet and said “Heather Sommers?”
At first they pretended not to notice.
“Heather, I have something for you.” Joe said.
“What?” Heather sneered. The other girls regarded Joe with barely concealed contempt as he handed her the homemade card which was an exact replica of the one he made in 6th grade.